Lounge Suit Dress Code

The invitation says “dress code: lounge suit”, and every man who reads it has the same thought: what on earth is a lounge suit? Relax. You almost certainly own one already. Here’s what a lounge suit is, how it differs from a morning suit and black tie, and how to get it right at a wedding, whether you’re a guest or the best man.

What is a lounge suit?

A lounge suit is simply a standard two-piece or three-piece suit: a jacket and trousers in the same fabric, worn with a shirt and tie. It’s the kind of suit you’d wear to the office or an interview. The name is old-fashioned, but the idea isn’t. It’s smarter than a blazer and chinos, and less formal than morning dress or a dinner suit.

When a wedding invitation says lounge suit, it means:

• A matching suit, not separates.
• A collared shirt. White or a light colour is the safe bet.
• A tie. Unless the invitation says otherwise, wear one. You can always take it off once the dancing starts.
• Smart shoes. Polished leather, not trainers.

Lounge suit vs morning suit vs black tie

• Lounge suit: a regular suit and tie. The everyday wedding dress code.
• Morning suit (morning dress): the most formal daytime option. A long tailcoat, a waistcoat and striped or checked trousers, often with a cravat or tie. Traditionally worn by the groom, the fathers, the best man and the ushers at formal daytime weddings, and sometimes by guests too if the invitation says so.
• Black tie: a dinner suit (tuxedo) with a bow tie, for evening events. If the invitation says black tie, a lounge suit won’t cut it.

If you’re in the wedding party, you’ll probably be told what to wear. If you’re a guest and the invitation says lounge suit, you don’t need a morning suit, however keen you are to wear the top hat.

What colour lounge suit for a wedding?

• Navy: the safest choice going. Smart, flattering and works in any season.
• Grey or charcoal: just as smart, and great with a bit of colour in the tie.
• Lighter colours and linen: fine for a summer or outdoor wedding. Check how formal the day is first.
• Black: best avoided. It can look a bit funeral, and it’s easy to clash with the wedding party.

Whatever you wear, don’t outdo the groom. It’s his day, and he’s been planning that suit for months.

The best man and lounge suits

If the couple have gone for lounge suits rather than morning dress, the groom, best man and ushers often wear matching or co-ordinated suits, with ties or pocket squares in the wedding colours. Agree it with the groom early, and get the suits fitted in good time. See our best man suits guide for more.

Quick tips

• Get it tailored. A cheap suit that fits looks better than an expensive one that doesn’t. Trousers should just break on the shoe, and the jacket sleeves should show a little shirt cuff.
• Match your leathers. Brown shoes, brown belt. Black shoes, black belt.
• Bring a spare shirt. Especially if it’s a long day. Wedding breakfasts and red wine aren’t natural friends.
• Check the weather. A heavy wool suit at an August garden wedding is a long afternoon.

Finishing touches? See our guides to best man shirts, cufflinks and best man socks.